The government has finalised the policy on strategic partnerships in the defence sector.

 

The policy on strategic partnerships is intended to bring in a transparent, objective and functional mechanism to encourage broader participation of the private sector, in addition to defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) to manufacture aircraft, submarines, helicopters and armoured vehicles. 

 

It is expected that the policy will enhance competition, increase efficiencies, facilitate faster and more significant absorption of technology, create a tiered industrial ecosystem, ensure development of a wider skill base, trigger innovation, promote participation in global value chains as well as exports, leading to reduction in dependence on imports and greater self-reliance and dependability of supplies essential to meet national security objectives. 

 

Transparency and fair competition will be ensured through rigorous implementation of the processes as contained in the extant defence procurement procedures.

 

Minister of state for defence, Subhash Bhamre gave this information in Rajya Sabha.